Podcasts about goats matthew

The Parable of The Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25)

Title: Jesus Is the Gate of the SheepMain Text: John 10:1-10Key Points:Jesus as the GateJesus declares, “I am the gate for the sheep.” (John 10:7-9)Through Him, we find salvation, security, and provision—rest for our souls.He is the only way to God, emphasizing the exclusivity of the gospel.The Sheep Pen & Its MeaningA place of safety and rest at night before going back out in the morning.Only those who enter through Jesus experience true rest and belonging.Beware of Thieves & RobbersFalse teachers, false gospels, and spiritual deception seek to lead people astray (John 10:1, 8).Common false teachings:Salvation by works (earning God's favor)Self-help gospel (human effort over grace)Prosperity gospel (blessings over true faith)Political gospel (misplacing our hope in human systems)Churchless gospel (isolating faith from the body of Christ)The Call to HumilityEntering through the gate requires humility—recognizing our need for Jesus.Illustration: The Door of Humility at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem—small enough that visitors must bow to enter, symbolizing the humility required to follow Christ.Sheep vs. Goats (Matthew 25:33)Jesus calls people out of false systems and into the true fold—His Church.Philippians 2:1-11 reminds us that Christ humbled Himself for our salvation.Final Challenge: Will you choose humility, step through the gate, and follow Jesus?

Mar 23, 2025 Sermon By Thomas Hamilton Kingdom Logic: Groom, Gold and Goats Matthew 25

This passage has often been misused because of how one phrase has been neglected. What is Jesus really teaching here? You can watch this message here.

Pastor Margaret Ferguson - Resurrection Chattanooga - 11/17/2024 At Resurrection, we are cultivating a community of people who, through grace and practice, are learning from Jesus how to live. We desire to be a home for the prodigal, an authentic people — humble, generous, and unified.

Jesus will judge his church based on their faith expressed in how they treated the least of these His Brothers. He will sort out the scoffers from the wise and faithful.Trinity 26 Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Trinity --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dan-greg/support

A "sermonic examination" as to whether those of us who claim to be believers and followers of Jesus are sheep or goats and what's the difference. (New Hope | Sept. 15, 2024) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kengrace/support

This is Andy Croft looking at Matthew 25: 31-46 from our 10am service on Sunday 27 October 2024. This is part of our series looking at the "Stories of the Kingdom".

Storyteller: Week Eight - The One About the Sheep and the Goats Matthew 25:31-46 Pastor Christopher Ek Listen this week as we take a close look at another of Jesus' parables. Jesus' teaching on the sheep and the goats is a parable of high challenge and high calling as we follow Jesus each day. www.bethanycovenant.com 

More teaching and outlines available at https://renewbiblechurch.com/ 

Baptism= acknowledgment that we are sinners and that our only hope is Jesus! Remember this as we look at our passage of scripture for today. John 5:25-29 Truly, truly I say to you, an hour is coming, and now is here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For the Father has life in Himself, and so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and He has given Him authority to execute judgement, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this. For an hour is coming when all who ae in the tombs will hear His voice and come out. Those who have done good, to the resurrection of life. And those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgement. In this passage two different judgments are being rendered: Judgement 1 (John 5:25) “Those who are dead and hear the voice of the Son of God will live!” This judgement is occurring even today… right now! WE are DEAD in sin, and are given new life when we receive the truth of the gospel.Judgement 2- (John 5:28-29) This is a future judgement… the final judgment. Those who do “good” will not be judge. Those who do evil… WILL!Jesus is NOT talking about “work's righteousness”! Remember what baptism means: we are all sinners. Our only HOPE is Christ! The “good” Jesus is referring too here, is the hearing and receiving of the gospel. The “bad” is NOT hearing and receiving…Remember the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46) One group did indeed, do “good” things, while the other did not. But “why”? The group who did “good”, did it out of gratitude, knowing that their HOPE was not in themselves, but in the goodness of the King Message: Two JudgementsScripture: John 5:25-29  

On this episode of the Curt Landry Podcast, Rabbi Curt and Darrell Puckett break down the principle of humanitarian aid and what the Bible says about it, specifically Jesus' own words in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25). Rabbi shares critical insights into this parable, a key detail many in the church have missed–Jesus' brethren are the Jewish people. What we do unto Israel, we do unto Him. From 33 years of experience, Rabbi Curt shares the principles and heart posture behind the Spirit-filled humanitarian aid Curt Landry Ministries provides globally–and how this aid opens doors for people to experience the power of God's love, salvation, and healing in their lives.

From genealogymeditations.com. Read and Written by Bruce McClellan. ©️2023. Transcript: http://genealogymeditations.com/2023/05/29/sheep-and-goats-matthew-25/

"Sheep and Goats" – Matthew 25:31-45 Sermon by the Rev. Elizabeth N.H. Link from Sunday, November 26, 2023.

Pauline explores Matthew 25:31-46

11/26/2023 - Matthew 25:31-46 - Pastor Ernie Jeong Sermon Video https://youtu.be/UIMlsFQ9Dm4 Full Worship Service https://youtu.be/r2p_JpYvh8M Announcements https://youtu.be/kYllItDQslI Children's Message (Video) https://youtu.be/ZG9HJ2Y19gg ~~ Recent Videos: https://www.faithmoorpark.com/recent ~~ Prayer Requests: https://www.faithmoorpark.com/prayers ~~ Visit our web site to learn more about Faith Lutheran Church. Watch View past worship services, sermons, bible studies, and devotions. https://www.faithmoorpark.com/ ~~ Support Faith Lutheran Church: Online Giving: https://www.faithmoorpark.com/giving ~~ Faith Lutheran Church is part of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (LCMS) located in Moorpark, California.

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Bible Readings: Joel 3:1 – 21 Matthew 25:31 – 46 Sermon Outline: 1 – The Son of Man will judge the sheep and the goats on the Last Day; John 5:21–23 (NKJV) 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.… The post 19/11/2023 – Evening Service: The Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31 – 46) appeared first on Maroubra Presbyterian Church.

This parable of Jesus is one of the most profound teachings of our LORD concerning judgment and HIS expectations for the elect and their service in his kingdom. Yet this parable has less parabolic language and more direct language than other parables. Whereas the previous three parables from Matthew 24:45 [Wise & Foolish Servants] and Matthew 25:1 [The Wise & Foolish Virgins] and Matthew 25:14 [Parable of the Talents] dealt with Jesus's expectations for HIS elect as they wait and long for his return ... the Parable of the Sheep & the Goats focuses on the direct and final judgment of ALL people ... not just Christ's elect. Just as the previous parables compare two types of people in the kingdom of heaven, this parable compares two types of people who live throughout all of history. This parable will compare the humble and blessed Sheep who love our LORD against the wickedly prideful Goats who are cursed and do not love our LORD. "And these [cursed goats] will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous [blessed sheep] into eternal life." [Matt 25:46] Let's dig into this profound passage together [Matthew 25:31-46]

The Bible makes clear that those who know Jesus will follow Jesus. The two are inextricably linked, yet we have a tendency to try and separate them. While works are not the cause of our salvation, they are evidence that we've received it. You can't work your way into the Kingdom of Heaven, but after you enter through Jesus, work with all your might! As Jesus said, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4) Take Home Message: To know Jesus is to follow Jesus. King Jesus requires…A personal relationship (31-33).An evident faith (34-40).A permanent judgment (41-46). The Sheep and the Goats: Matthew 25:31-46 Simple. Authentic. Jesus. Prairiebible.org

April 22, 2023 - Equipped Workshop Day 3 10:00AM MPR 2 Speaker    Tyler Averson challenges us to change our views on helping others. Looking at the book of James, Tyler shows how we should think about and approach helping others.   Slides: It's all about me Help Me Serve (James 1-2) 1 Corinthians 9:19 - For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. Mark 10:45 - For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to server, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Help Me Serve Ask God for Wisdom - (1:5-8) Illustration of  a hot Burner on a stove If mama ain't happy Ain't nobody happy Illustration of cheating on a test Imitate God's Giving - (1:17) Be doers of the WORD - (1:22) Help the helpless - (1:27) "God helps those who help themselves" Refuse to show partiality - (2:1) Love your neighbor as yourself - (2:8) Leviticus 19:18 - You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. Matthew 22:39 - And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Live in view of judgment - (2:12) The Sheep and the Goats - Matthew 25:31-46 Show Mercy - (2:13) Show your faith by your works - (2:18) Duration 33:09

This week BibleWorm reads Matthew 25:31-46, which feels like a culminating text for our weeks studying parables. The text seems to locate us in the future, at the time of the final judgment – but it's not just a different place on the timeline. The nature of the cosmos has shifted, and maybe something in the nature of Jesus, too, after the resurrection. All of the overlapping groups that have been present in the parables – the wheat and the weeds, if you will - will be sorted into two distinct fates. On a quick read, the grounds for this sorting may not seem too high a bar - we must offer generous, loving care for the bodies and spirits and the dignity of our co-travellers on this earth. But how do we keep this care from becoming primarily an act of self-interest, given the presence of those hell fires - would that kind of motivation ruin it? And wait, did this text just say that we need to do this in every single instance, without exception? The words of this text may feel familiar to you, but boy are they a radical reorientation.

Christ the King: The Sheep and the Goats Matthew 25:31-46 March 5, 2023 Pastor Scott Wade

Christ the King: The Sheep and the Goats Matthew 25:31-46 March 5, 2023 Pastor Scott Wade

The weekly sermon from Alfred Almond Bible Church in Almond, NY

What of the Gentiles? The Tribulation period brings the times of the Gentiles to an end. Will there be any Gentiles saved during the Tribulation? Will any Gentiles be welcomed into God's Kingdom? Before closing His sermon, Jesus provides one last parable, The Sheep and the Goats, in Matthew 25:31-46. In this parable, Jesus reveals the eternal destiny of the Gentiles.

Watch the video of this podcast instead on my YouTube channel?? (link below): https://youtube.com/live/XTA9zS_nwLk Subscribe to my YouTube channel (link below)(i.e. "Uplift Past Crossroads") https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuv53Xdk-97UcS_gSvsS76A Subscribe | Turn On Post Notification | Like | Comment | Share PayPal = https://www.paypal.me/upliftpastcrossroads Cash App = cash.app/$troubledontlast Venmo = @troubledontlast FOLLOW MY SOCIALS: 1. YouTube channel/podcast: Uplift Past Crossroads 2. Facebook, LinkedIn: Sean Christopher Jenkins 3. Instagram, Twitter, Snap, TikTok: troubledontlast 4. Tumblr: troubledontlast1 CHECK OUT THESE PLAYLISTS FROM MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR MORE: View this playlist to listen to all of the bible studies, sermons, lessons, animations, etc. I have done on the book of "Revelations": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5p69431nzUAoLj8IP4eGENF0ms5IpH8t "Revelation 22" playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5p69431nzUC3460dVQQliZLWSR8g7kQt View this playlist to see to all of the bible studies, sermons, lessons, animations, etc. I have done on these topics "The Rapture/Left Behind": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5p69431nzUCysdajOF-yr9LqATghl33u View this playlist to see to all of the bible studies, sermons, lessons, animations, etc. I have done on these topics "Like In The Days of Noah/For The Son of Man Will Come In An Hour When You Do Not Expect Him (Matthew 24:37-39,44)": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5p69431nzUCRtJvFKjT0PUG77ZEh4v1y View this playlist to see to all of the bible studies, sermons, lessons, animations, etc. I have done on these topics "Enmity With God/Enemy of God/Friendship With The World": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5p69431nzUAqR_BAVcULh3MhDJazgiUc View this playlist to see to all of the bible studies, sermons, lessons, animations, etc. I have done on these topics "Know Jesus/Knowing Jesus/Know The LORD": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5p69431nzUA_GbDe6_n5Hh29qLyQdEu6 View this playlist to see to all of the bible studies, sermons, lessons, animations, etc. I have done on this topic "The Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5p69431nzUCPDK0WjTiFEJ4brDNmR7l1 View this playlist to see to all of the bible studies, sermons, lessons, animations, etc. I have done on these topics "Come As You Are/Come To Jesus/Come Unto Me/Whosoever Will Come/Come Just As You Are": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5p69431nzUCp9KeFgo02iToqZnXekx-A --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/upliftpastcrossroads/message

What is the Judgment of the Sheep & Goats; also referred to as the Judgment of the Nations. Is this a judgment unto salvation or hell based upon one's works? Is this a judgment against nations or countries? When does this judgment occur? All this, and more will be explained in my personal study of this passage.Check Out C4C Books:Investigating Lordship Salvation:https://www.amazon.com/Investigating-Lordship-Salvation-Response-Works-Based/dp/B09XZJD4RHA Biblical Sketch: Free Grace Theologyhttps://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Sketch-Theology-Understanding-Basics-ebook/dp/B0B4X8JMHG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11WY6AK3UBPUC&keywords=weierbach&qid=1662478524&s=books&sprefix=weierbach%2Cstripbooks%2C78&sr=1-1C4C Apologetics Website:www.c4capologetics.comOpen Door Baptist Church:https://odbaptist.com/Financially Support C4C Apologetics Ministry:https://odbaptist.com/giveGrace Zone App:https://subsplash.com/gracezone/appDon't forget to check out our YouTube Channel!https://www.youtube.com/c/C4CApologetics/featured

Audio of a talk given by Sir Gary Streeter MP on 'The sheep and the goats' from Matthew 25:31-46 at a Christians in Parliament Chapel Service which was held in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft on Tuesday 29th November 2022.

In Matthew 25:31-46 we learn that Jesus is the judge of eternity.

In Matthew 25:31-46 we learn that Jesus is the judge of eternity.

All throughout the stories of Jesus, Jesus is traveling from place to place proclaiming, "Turn around because the Kingdom of Heaven is here!"  His whole message was built around this idea of "the Kingdom."  But what is the Kingdom?  What is it like?  Who gets to be in it?  How do I know if I'm in it?  We're going to be taking the bulk of the spring of 2022 to explore what Jesus teaches us on the Kingdom! 

Who was Jesus talking about when he spoke of "the least of these my brothers" and why does it matter?

Whether you are a believer or unbeliever makes a huge difference at your death, because the condition of each soul at death will determine its eternal destiny (Ecc 11:3). All mankind will be divided into 2 groups. There is a HEAVEN to gain and a HELL to shun! Before the Death and Resurrection of Christ, at death both believers and unbelievers went down to a place called ‘Hades' (Greek) or ‘Sheol' (Hebrew), a place under the earth for departed spirits, but the believers and unbelievers went to 2 different compartments of Hades (Luke 16:19-26). Jesus taught that by death you have made your final decision and your eternal destiny is then fixed forever. It will then too late to repent. At this point, the destinies of the righteous and unrighteous are sharply and permanently divided. In Old Testament times all went down to Hades when they died, even believers, because before Jesus died and rose again, bringing in the New Covenant, it was impossible for anyone to be born again, and so it was impossible for their spirits to go into Heaven. In this teaching we reveal the awesome difference that the New Birth makes, enabling us to go to Heaven when we die, because our spirits have been made perfect in Christ (Matt 16:18). The Old Testament saints did not go to Heaven when they died, for they had to wait for the New Covenant to be established by Christ's Death and Resurrection before they could be made perfect (born again) in spirit, and so be able to possess the promise of Heaven (Heb 11:10,16, 39-40). But now these O.T saints are in Heaven, because when Christ rose again this promise could be fulfilled and they were born again and made perfect in spirit (1Pet 4:6), and then taken up to Heaven (Eph 4:8). They are 'the spirits of just men made perfect' who are now in Heaven (Heb 12:22-24). So when believers die, we depart our bodies (2Cor 5:8, 2Tim 4:6, 2Pet 1:13-15), and we go to Heaven (2Cor 5:8, 12:2-4, Phil 1:21-24, Rev 6:9-11, 7:9-17, 14:13). Unbelievers die in a state of unrighteousness, and go down to Torments in Hades, the temporary place of punishment, because they died in their sins and have been found guilty, and now it is too late for them to repent (2Pet 2:9). They rejected the grace of God, the work of Christ and the witness of the Holy Spirit. They must wait in this holding-cell in Hades until they are resurrected at the end of time and made to stand before the Great White Throne for their final Sentencing (Rev 20:11-12). Their degree of their rebellion against God will determine the degree of their punishment in the Lake of Fire. Then they will be sentenced and dismissed into their final place of punishment - the Lake of Fire (Rev 20:15). At present only their soul is under punishment, but when they are resurrected and thrown into the Lake of Fire, both their body and soul will be under punishment (Matt 10:28). So, Hades is an initial temporal place of punishment for the soul, but the Lake of Fire (Gehenna) is the final and everlasting place of punishment for the soul and the body. Jesus' Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46) confirms the everlasting punishment of the wicked (v41,46). God's Court-System of Eternal Judgment takes place in 2 Stages: *(1) Stage 1 happens right after his DEATH (Hebrews 9:27). This determines whether you are guilty or innocent, depending on if you are ‘in Christ' and so have received His righteousness, or if you are still ‘in your sins.' The righteous go up to Heaven, and the wicked go down to Hades, to wait for the 2nd Stage. *(2) Stage 2 happens right after his RESURRECTION. The Judge will determine the Degree of Reward for believers (according to their faithfulness), and the Degree of Punishment for unbelievers (according to their sin). There are only 2 possible eternal destinies for every person - either (1) a state and place of everlasting life and blessedness in God's Presence, for those who have received Christ as their Savior and Lord, or (2) a state and place of everlasting punishment, for those who have rejected Christ and His offer of Salvation. Every man's final destiny is fixed by God at the time of his death, so it is essential that we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour and share the Gospel with the lost before it's too late.

Whether you are a believer or unbeliever makes a huge difference at your death, because the condition of each soul at death will determine its eternal destiny (Ecc 11:3). All mankind will be divided into 2 groups. There is a HEAVEN to gain and a HELL to shun! Before the Death and Resurrection of Christ, at death both believers and unbelievers went down to a place called ‘Hades' (Greek) or ‘Sheol' (Hebrew), a place under the earth for departed spirits, but the believers and unbelievers went to 2 different compartments of Hades (Luke 16:19-26). Jesus taught that by death you have made your final decision and your eternal destiny is then fixed forever. It will then too late to repent. At this point, the destinies of the righteous and unrighteous are sharply and permanently divided. In Old Testament times all went down to Hades when they died, even believers, because before Jesus died and rose again, bringing in the New Covenant, it was impossible for anyone to be born again, and so it was impossible for their spirits to go into Heaven. In this teaching we reveal the awesome difference that the New Birth makes, enabling us to go to Heaven when we die, because our spirits have been made perfect in Christ (Matt 16:18). The Old Testament saints did not go to Heaven when they died, for they had to wait for the New Covenant to be established by Christ's Death and Resurrection before they could be made perfect (born again) in spirit, and so be able to possess the promise of Heaven (Heb 11:10,16, 39-40). But now these O.T saints are in Heaven, because when Christ rose again this promise could be fulfilled and they were born again and made perfect in spirit (1Pet 4:6), and then taken up to Heaven (Eph 4:8). They are 'the spirits of just men made perfect' who are now in Heaven (Heb 12:22-24). So when believers die, we depart our bodies (2Cor 5:8, 2Tim 4:6, 2Pet 1:13-15), and we go to Heaven (2Cor 5:8, 12:2-4, Phil 1:21-24, Rev 6:9-11, 7:9-17, 14:13). Unbelievers die in a state of unrighteousness, and go down to Torments in Hades, the temporary place of punishment, because they died in their sins and have been found guilty, and now it is too late for them to repent (2Pet 2:9). They rejected the grace of God, the work of Christ and the witness of the Holy Spirit. They must wait in this holding-cell in Hades until they are resurrected at the end of time and made to stand before the Great White Throne for their final Sentencing (Rev 20:11-12). Their degree of their rebellion against God will determine the degree of their punishment in the Lake of Fire. Then they will be sentenced and dismissed into their final place of punishment - the Lake of Fire (Rev 20:15). At present only their soul is under punishment, but when they are resurrected and thrown into the Lake of Fire, both their body and soul will be under punishment (Matt 10:28). So, Hades is an initial temporal place of punishment for the soul, but the Lake of Fire (Gehenna) is the final and everlasting place of punishment for the soul and the body. Jesus' Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46) confirms the everlasting punishment of the wicked (v41,46). God's Court-System of Eternal Judgment takes place in 2 Stages: *(1) Stage 1 happens right after his DEATH (Hebrews 9:27). This determines whether you are guilty or innocent, depending on if you are ‘in Christ' and so have received His righteousness, or if you are still ‘in your sins.' The righteous go up to Heaven, and the wicked go down to Hades, to wait for the 2nd Stage. *(2) Stage 2 happens right after his RESURRECTION. The Judge will determine the Degree of Reward for believers (according to their faithfulness), and the Degree of Punishment for unbelievers (according to their sin). There are only 2 possible eternal destinies for every person - either (1) a state and place of everlasting life and blessedness in God's Presence, for those who have received Christ as their Savior and Lord, or (2) a state and place of everlasting punishment, for those who have rejected Christ and His offer of Salvation. Every man's final destiny is fixed by God at the time of his death, so it is essential that we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour and share the Gospel with the lost before it's too late.

Whether you are a believer or unbeliever makes a huge difference at your death, because the condition of each soul at death will determine its eternal destiny (Ecc 11:3). All mankind will be divided into 2 groups. There is a HEAVEN to gain and a HELL to shun! Before the Death and Resurrection of Christ, at death both believers and unbelievers went down to a place called ‘Hades' (Greek) or ‘Sheol' (Hebrew), a place under the earth for departed spirits, but the believers and unbelievers went to 2 different compartments of Hades (Luke 16:19-26). Jesus taught that by death you have made your final decision and your eternal destiny is then fixed forever. It will then too late to repent. At this point, the destinies of the righteous and unrighteous are sharply and permanently divided. In Old Testament times all went down to Hades when they died, even believers, because before Jesus died and rose again, bringing in the New Covenant, it was impossible for anyone to be born again, and so it was impossible for their spirits to go into Heaven. In this teaching we reveal the awesome difference that the New Birth makes, enabling us to go to Heaven when we die, because our spirits have been made perfect in Christ (Matt 16:18). The Old Testament saints did not go to Heaven when they died, for they had to wait for the New Covenant to be established by Christ's Death and Resurrection before they could be made perfect (born again) in spirit, and so be able to possess the promise of Heaven (Heb 11:10,16, 39-40). But now these O.T saints are in Heaven, because when Christ rose again this promise could be fulfilled and they were born again and made perfect in spirit (1Pet 4:6), and then taken up to Heaven (Eph 4:8). They are 'the spirits of just men made perfect' who are now in Heaven (Heb 12:22-24). So when believers die, we depart our bodies (2Cor 5:8, 2Tim 4:6, 2Pet 1:13-15), and we go to Heaven (2Cor 5:8, 12:2-4, Phil 1:21-24, Rev 6:9-11, 7:9-17, 14:13). Unbelievers die in a state of unrighteousness, and go down to Torments in Hades, the temporary place of punishment, because they died in their sins and have been found guilty, and now it is too late for them to repent (2Pet 2:9). They rejected the grace of God, the work of Christ and the witness of the Holy Spirit. They must wait in this holding-cell in Hades until they are resurrected at the end of time and made to stand before the Great White Throne for their final Sentencing (Rev 20:11-12). Their degree of their rebellion against God will determine the degree of their punishment in the Lake of Fire. Then they will be sentenced and dismissed into their final place of punishment - the Lake of Fire (Rev 20:15). At present only their soul is under punishment, but when they are resurrected and thrown into the Lake of Fire, both their body and soul will be under punishment (Matt 10:28). So, Hades is an initial temporal place of punishment for the soul, but the Lake of Fire (Gehenna) is the final and everlasting place of punishment for the soul and the body. Jesus' Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46) confirms the everlasting punishment of the wicked (v41,46). God's Court-System of Eternal Judgment takes place in 2 Stages: *(1) Stage 1 happens right after his DEATH (Hebrews 9:27). This determines whether you are guilty or innocent, depending on if you are ‘in Christ' and so have received His righteousness, or if you are still ‘in your sins.' The righteous go up to Heaven, and the wicked go down to Hades, to wait for the 2nd Stage. *(2) Stage 2 happens right after his RESURRECTION. The Judge will determine the Degree of Reward for believers (according to their faithfulness), and the Degree of Punishment for unbelievers (according to their sin). There are only 2 possible eternal destinies for every person - either (1) a state and place of everlasting life and blessedness in God's Presence, for those who have received Christ as their Savior and Lord, or (2) a state and place of everlasting punishment, for those who have rejected Christ and His offer of Salvation. Every man's final destiny is fixed by God at the time of his death, so it is essential that we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour and share the Gospel with the lost before it's too late.

Concern for the poor is woven throughout the entirety of the biblical narrative. It is absolutely unavoidable from the Old testament to the New.     OT Lev 19:10 And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.   Deuteronomy 15:7 “If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, 8 but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be. … 11 For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.'   Deut 27:19 “Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”   Exodus 22:21 “You shall not wrong a foreigner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. 22 You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.   Prov 14:31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.   Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter . . . ? Isaiah 58:6 -7   What does Jesus have to say?   Luke 11:37 When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. 38 But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal. 39 Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you. 42 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.   Luke 14:12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, …   Matthew 11:4-5 Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.    In the parable of the persistent widow from Luke 18 :1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.' 4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don't fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually come and attack me!'” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”   Parable of the Sheep and Goats Matthew 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'   Luke 12:32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Some conclusions:   The great eighteenth-century hymn-writer and ex- slave trader John Newton marveled at the far-reaching implications of these words. “One would almost think that Luke 14:12-14 was not considered part of God's word,” he wrote, “nor has any part of Jesus's teaching been more neglected by his own people. I do not think it is unlawful to entertain our friends; but if these words do not teach us that it is in some respects our duty to give a preference to the poor, I am at a loss to understand them.”   What is Jesus's point, then, in these exhortations?  1. It must be at least this—that his believers should not see any of their money as their own, and they should be profoundly involved with and generous to the poor.   2. Justification and Justice are inextricably connected.   Jesus brother James writes:    James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.   James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.  …26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.   We are saved by faith alone. But not by faith that remains alone.  Justification will lead to justice - fruit of the regenerate soul in Christ. Justice will lead to justification - as the church reflects the heart of Jesus for the poor the world will observe this consistency and integrity and in turn people will turn to Jesus.   So what can I do?   2 pronged approach: Serve in my neighborhood: You surgical ability to see and meet needs that a larger group cannot. Individual, family, small (A2) group…   Serve with my church: There is a power and synergy unmatched when the church unifies with the heart of Jesus. Here are a few things one church is doing.   Westside Service statistics 2020: Provided 4273 Professional Counseling sessions - Up 21% Supported 155 people through 41 Care Groups (Lifelines) Led 6 Food Drives, 350,000 Meals, 800 volunteers & 100 students Gave Covid food relief & ovens in South Africa, Thailand, Laos WFC 8 Blood Drives, 395 donors, potential of 1227 lives saved Supported 650 children, 19 One-Life sites, 4 countries, 814 sponsors Supported 1387 overseas house-churches, 329 new churches! Initiated 44 overseas community development Micro-finance projects Partnerships: Avenue of Life, Hillcrest Housing, Mission House, etc.  Partnered to assist 1500 homeless families to obtain housing Opened AOL Youth House housing 12 teen girls Supported Christ The Victor Church inside & outside Lansing Prison Encouraged 750 Foster/Adoptive parents through our RE:Conference Supplied Christmas gifts to 400 foster-families, 300 workers, 150 GH 44 Foster/Adopted Children now supported by Westside A2 Groups   Additional Resources:   Find out more and get involved here!   Book - Generous Justice by Tim Keller   Book - Progress:10 Reasons to Look Forward to the Future by Johan Norberg   Film and Research on American Poverty - America Lost by Christopher Rufu    Submit Q&A Questions and episode suggestions here. Watch the YouTube video here!

We come to the conclusion of the Olivet Discourse. Please keep in mind that the subject has not changed and our Lord is still talking about the coming destruction of Jerusalem.

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Cardinal Thomas Collins delivers a reflection on The Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)